Sometimes in life you come across a person who reminds you that the world is a good place. That people are good. That life is good. Susan Farb Morris is one of those people. Everything she does comes with a smile you feel. Her motivation is genuine kindness and interest, whether she’s wishing someone a Happy Birthday on Facebook with an adorable video or asking for input from the “hive”. If you see her mega-watt smile and shock of perfectly coiffed gray hair from across the room you somehow just know it’s going to be a good day, that’s what she inspires. Her professional accomplishments are impressive, as you’ll read, but it’s her approach to her life that made her this week’s #MondayMotivation Inspiration. You never get the feeling she has something to prove, there is no ego here! She has all of the facts and figures ready to go that she delivers with a peaceful, kind, confidence we could all stand to learn. If you reach out to her for guidance, she will embrace and guide you with grace. Don’t misunderstand, Farb is a hard-core professional but she’s also real and approachable. So many in the Public and Media Relations industry are competitive but Susan is above that or has move beyond it, or found nirvana. Whatever it is, it’s definitely the goal! There is no need to compete when we all have the same goal, there is more than enough out there for everyone to have success and if we support each other in getting it, we will get it too, right?! Farb has figured that out but she’s also discovered that true success isn’t about the daily scraps. That’s why she’s The PR Fairy. To DISH, she’s The PR Fairy Godmother! She sprinkles fairy dust and everyone is better for it! Mentioning her famous Facebook birthday videos early brings us to the real reason she is this week’s #MondayMotivation Inspiration, her birthday is this week so make sure to reach out to her on her social media (listed below) and send her good wishes! Happy Birthday, Susan! Thank you for being YOU!

2. DISH ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS: I started work on the PR agency side of the business in the late 70s and established my own firm in the mid-80s with a business partner. I started Susan Farb PR in 1990, focusing on Houston media relations. My most notable clients include The Lancaster Hotel, Bayou City Art Festival, Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival at the University of Houston, MasterWord global language solutions, Powers Brown Architecture, Bentwater on Lake Conroe, Sun & Ski Sports, San Jacinto Girl Scouts, TIRR/Mission Connect and a benefit concert starring Kinky Friedman at The Grand 1894 Opera House, among many others.

A legend in PR and a legend in News, Susan Farb Morris and Jane Pauley

3. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR INDUSTRY: My first job was in the nonprofit world and through that job, I met Al Busse, a PR consultant at the top of his game in Houston. Al gave me my first break. In my mid-20s I was working on publicity for hotel openings (re-opening of the Hotel Galvez in Galveston, Adam’s Mark Hotel in west Houston and The Lancaster), stores (Abercrombie & Fitch legendary sporting outfitter) and ongoing real estate, restaurant and retail work. I also produced a celebrity radio talk show for the city’s premiere society columnist Maxine Mesinger.

4. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CREATE YOUR OWN: I wanted the flexibility to best handle work and motherhood responsibilities.

5. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR: The most challenging thing about doing media relations for me is not to take rejection personally. A reporter who says “No,” is saying no to the story idea, not to me per se.

6. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR: I get to meet incredibly talented, smart and interesting people and represent them and their stories to the media. I don’t take on a client — person, company or product — that I don’t believe in 1,000%, so when I help them achieve their communications goals, I’m on a PR “high.” I also feel that my work has given me a platform for community service work, such as co-chairing, then chairing the citywide ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival presented by JFS. I am grateful for the opportunity to use my communication skills to benefit the greater good.

7. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF OVER THIS JOURNEY: I’m pretty demanding on my employees – me, myself and I – and have had to learn there’s a point when it’s OK to ease up.

8. HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO GIVE UP: You bet. There have been a couple of times when I’ve resigned a client.

9. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO POWER THROUGH: I think it’s because so much of my identity has come through my work. It’s been a great ride!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WHAT YOU DO: I love being able to create promotion/ publicity ideas, pitch them to the client, see their enthusiastic response and carry the project to fruition, including generating media coverage. I also love connecting people and ideas – many call me ‘the connector.’ My engagement over social media has amplified this interaction far beyond what I ever could have imagined.

Susan Farb Morris holding a quilt made of client event t-shirts

11. HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME: Exercising my mind and body. I enjoy going on long walks in the park and on the beach at our Galveston beach house, traveling to new places, meditating and working on the Sunday New York Times Crossword puzzle. Word puzzles are a great exercise for the brain!

12. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT HOUSTON: It’s my home town, born and bred! I love seeing how it has grown in diversity and that it has come into its own as a world-class city in the performing and visual arts and restaurant scenes, especially.

13. WHAT IS SOMETHING REALLY NEAT, FUN, OF QUIRKY ABOUT YOU THAT NO ONE WOULD EVER KNOW WITHOUT YOU TELLING THEM: I love to meditate and my dog, Winston, also thinks it’s the perfect time to “sit” with me.

14. IF YOU WERE TO GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT OR NEEDING THAT INSPIRATION TO KEEP GOING IN YOUR INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE: Do your homework! Don’t walk into a meeting or make a client or media call unprepared.

When working out the schedule of who will be featured each week for our #MondayMotivation Inspiration Series if there isn’t something specific in the person’s calendar they’re wanting to promote business-wise there is an effort to connect the story with a national celebration day that speaks to their purpose or personality. This week DISH is over the moon (50th Moon Landing reference!!) excited to put The Garden Hen founders Chicken Mike and Mrs. Nicole in the spotlight. They were chosen for this specific week because of National BE SOMEONE day. BE SOMEONE Day challenges everyone to take 10 seconds to do something that makes a difference. If it’s watering a plant, telling a joke to make someone smile, or saying a prayer for someone you care about, just take that 10 seconds out of your day to make a difference in the world. It also brings to mind the graffiti over I-45 coming into downtown that has become the tagline of our city. It inspires everyone who drives under it every day to BE SOMEONE right where you are. This is exactly what Chicken Mike and Mrs. Nicole are all about. They embody this saying. They inspire everyone they come in contact with to make a difference in the world around them and to make something exactly where you are. They are proof you can BE SOMEONE. DISH proudly serves up this week’s inspiration… with chicken!

1. NAME AND COMPANY NAME: Chicken Mike and Mrs. Nicole Graham of The Garden Hen

2. DISH ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS: We wanted to grow chicken love in our community so we came up with a most unique chicken program that we call “Project Life Cycle: The Chicken”. Its an interactive baby chick hatch with an urban farming influence. We are so proud to have reached over 16,000 students with our programs so far and growing rapidly! Just recently signed a partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market. We are super excited to have their name along side of ours as we educate youth about healthy eating and chickens.

Chicken Mike and Mrs. Nicole’s first coop with The Fab 5

3. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR INDUSTRY: So, I have not always donned the name “Chicken” Mike. About 10 years ago, my wife Nicole brought home 5 chickens. These were “live” chickens, not quartered on a Styrofoam plate chicken like I was used to, (lol). Like any normal husband, I questioned her purpose to which she replied, “We are going to raise backyard chickens!” Quite startled I said, “Honey, we live in gated community with a tiny yard and a pit. How will this work???” It was at that moment my very determined wife told me exactly how by building and painting her first coop all by herself! She set the whole thing up inside a 10 x 10 dog run. We started with 5, which we called The Fab 5, Ronda, Dolly, Violet, Samantha, and April lived in their hot pink coop and laid the best eggs! These girls are the roots of our passion that we share with so many today.

Four versions of custom chicken coops designed and build by The Garden Hen that fit every space

4. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CREATE YOUR OWN: A little over a year after starting this new backyard chicken lifestyle, for various reasons we had far too many chickens in our yard. Nicole was a teaching assistant at a local school where she began to teach each grade level about the life cycle from egg to hatchling. After each hatch, they would let her take all the babies home knowing we already had chickens. These babies quickly became full grown egg layers. We were getting over a dozen eggs a week! At 20 hens, we definitely hit a chicken limit! So we hand painted a sign saying “Chickens, Eggs, Herbs, Coops” and sat on the side of the road across from Traders Village hoping to capitalize on their traffic… Well, it worked! We sold out within 6 hours! Everything we brought! This inadvertently kicked off our custom coop business. Turns out, lots of Houstonians are interested in a similar lifestyle We, or should I really say SHE was right all along. Over the past 6 years we have built 122 custom chicken coops all over HTX , from River Oaks, Tanglewood, Memorial, The Heights, and Galveston, all the way to The Woodlands. Our coops are literally everywhere. Our prices start around $750.00 and have gone as high as $23,000.00

We annually host a coop tour, called Tour de’ Coop. Our first year it was in The Heights. This is an opportunity for others to see their neighbors’ backyard chicken set ups and how each one is individualized. Our journey has been nothing short of amazing!

5. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Most challenging aspect of our business is growing the brand we envision and knowing how to do so with little education. Nicole and I neither have degrees, life happened for us at early ages. Not saying that a degree would fix/answer all our issues, we just may of had more support in certain areas if we had degrees. Challenges in our growth have been met, fought, and avoided with our “street” sense. We look forward to more growing pains!

Classroom Incubator with new hatchlings

6. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR: By far our educational programs. Condit Elementary, like many others, bring us back year after year for the life cycle hatch program. This creates a fun support system because the babies that hatch out the year before are the layers for next year’s project. So this year’s 2nd-grade classes’ babies will be the egg layers for next year’s 2nd graders. Also, being recognized all over town is fun at times. We have had kids approach us at Rockets games, out at the zoo, or wherever and shout, “Look!! It’s Chicken Mike and Mrs. Nicole!” It’s so special and makes us feel like we are going a great thing.

7. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF OVER THIS JOURNEY: I personally have learned how to be patient and listen to others better. Nicole says that she truly loves education and that patience is key when working with youth.

8. HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO GIVE UP: NOPE… Life gets hard. From losing a parent to suicide to hand to mouth living at times. We cant stop, wont stop. Our three daughters are looking at us to be the example of how to fight adversity.

Mrs. Nicole with Pinecone, The Garden Hen mascot

9. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO POWER THROUGH: Our Faith carries us.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WHAT YOU DO: Motivating others to do their “one thing”. We preach to our students and to anyone who will listen to do their “one thing” to be more sustainable. If that’s an herb box, a small garden, a bee hive, or CHICKENS… Do your ‘one thing”. We want people to get back to their roots, understand their food, how it gets here, and what it takes to do so.

12. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT HOUSTON: Our diversity! We love the ability to have so many friends, supporters, and future acquaintances from so many different backgrounds and beliefs. We love those that love back! Our great city is one that definitely LOVES back!

Chicken Mike’s Rooster Tattoo

13. WHAT IS SOMETHING REALLY NEAT, FUN, OF QUIRKY ABOUT YOU THAT NO ONE WOULD EVER KNOW WITHOUT YOU TELLING THEM: We love tattoos! Nicole and I have many. The all have great meaning and are a symbolism to our life, family, and history.

14. IF YOU WERE TO GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT OR NEEDING THAT INSPIRATION TO KEEP GOING IN YOUR INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE: Go head and dive in head first! Get chickens, learn by trial/error, read, and listen to as many folks that have been in this industry. The backyard chicken industry is a growing yet very young industry. There are niches everywhere.

15. WHAT IS YOUR WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA SO PEOPLE CAN FOLLOW YOU: Definitely our website for the basics and background the-garden-hen.com. We’d love to consult with you for a custom coop or to help educate you,, your family or your school about chickens and more sustainable living. Our Instagram is loaded with amazing meals. Mrs. Nicole is a fabulous cook and knows how to work a budget within an inch of it’s life! My personal Instagram is fun too @Chickenmikehtx. We look forward to connecting with everyone!

This week it’s DISH’S honor to introduce to you one of Houston radio’s longest running on-air personalities, The Fabulous Jennifer Tyler. I met Jennifer 15 or so years ago when we were both working at Clear Channel. They owned 8 channels at the time and DISH was on-air on all 8 of them creating a career foundation while The Fab Jen Tyler was already rocking the free world as one of Houston’s most beloved radio personalities. It’s easy to understand why her career has endured over three decades. Her honest love for music flows directly out of the speakers into your soul reminding you of younger days with friends, running around with the wind blowing through your hair without a care in the world. When someone can make you feel free and easy with simply the sound of their voice… you want to make them a part of your life. Which explains her amazing rock radio career and why DISH scooped her up like ice cream and placed her directly on top of the “friend” pile! I am so proud to call this lady my friend. She is such an inspiration with her work ethic, keeping the things that bring her joy in the forefront of her life, her complete honest about her victorious struggles with anxiety and depression and her unabashed love of metal. DISH joyfully presents to you: The Fabulous Jennifer Tyler!!

2. DISH ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS: (When did you start in this industry? When did you start your business? Where do you sell (if a product), most notable clients?) My first real out of college radio job happened in 1988 at KLEV-AM in Cleveland, TX. It was a country station and I was there about 3 years. My last year there (1990) I also started working weekends at Mix 96.5 in Houston.

3. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR INDUSTRY: I always have had a love for music. Visited my first radio station while still in elementary school. I knew at that moment that it was the career path I wanted to take. Hard to believe I decided that young and stuck with it.

Eddie Money and The Fabulous Jennifer Tyler

4. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPACTFUL THING YOU’VE LEARNED ABOUT THE MUSIC INDUSTRY: ​ It’s a brutal business. You can’t just be an artist, make records and tour. You better have a head for business too. Or you better have someone you can trust to advise you. There are way too many horror stories about a record company or manager ripping off a band.

5. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR: There’s no job security in the radio business. But, in 30+ years, I’ve only been let go twice and it turned out to be a positive thing both times. Sometimes you need a little shakeup in your career or life to get you where you need to be. When I got fired it was clear the universe was trying to tell me something and I was choosing not to hear it. So, it gave me a reality check. There were better things and better jobs ahead for me both times. I don’t always have the courage to pull the trigger on things when I should, like leaving a job situation that clearly wasn’t great. The biggest lesson I’ve had to learn is that I am replaceable and that’s OK. If I find the good in the situation, I will land on my feet.

6. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Interviewing the rock stars I grew up listening to. I’ve learned so much about them, the process in which they create the music and the music business in general. It’s fascinating! If I had to pick a favorite interview it would, by far, be Steven Tyler. Most of the interviews I do are over the phone but he actually came to the station. I asked him if ’Love in an Elevator’ was inspired by actual events. The grin on his face was priceless! I love how he owned it and didn’t apologize. That’s who he was pre-sobriety, the ‘Love in the Elevator’ guy. There was no shame in his game. He was so real with me and I have a lot of respect for that. It made me love and appreciate who he is as an artist and person even more than I already did. Another one that really left an impression on me was Doug Fieger, the lead singer from The Knack. We talked before a show in October of 2007. He was dealing with a brain tumor. I was shocked that he was even touring! But I quickly realized it’s what he, and any musician really, lives for….being in front of an audience playing their music. Sadly, Doug passed away in February of 2010.

7. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF OVER THIS JOURNEY: Sound a little cliché, but I’m a survivor. No matter what, I’m going to keep digging in, learning and pushing forward.

8. HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO GIVE UP: Who doesn’t get frustrated! Many times. But you have to turn that around and use it for motivation to keep pushing.

9. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO POWER THROUGH: I love this business way too much to walk away. Nothing is ever as bad as it seems…even getting fired.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WHAT YOU DO: Engaging with listeners. We share a common interest. Music connects people. The coolest thing about being at a concert is when you hear 10,000+ people singing along with the band. It’s magical.

Houston’s Eagle Radio Personality The Fabulous Jennifer Tyler on her horse

11. HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME: Well you just can’t beat a good live show! I enjoy a lot of local bands as well as the national acts that come through town. Some of my favorite local bands are Angel Siren, Torrid Complex, Twelve Years Driven, Dead Set Red, Pulse Rate Zero just to name a few . There’s a lot of talent in this town! My favorite life-long band is Aerosmith. I’ve loved them since I was a kid. And what’s not to love? If I really need to clear my head, nothing de-stresses me quite like hopping on the back of a Harley for a little wind therapy. I don’t have my own bike, but I do have my own biker! I love riding horses too, have since I was a little girl. Volunteering keeps me busy also. My big project right now is The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol Foundation. I’m the VP. We’re in the process of getting the foundation up and running. Lots of paperwork to file! I also am a volunteer for The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. My first show to volunteer for was in 2009. I started on the Directions & Assistance Committee (D&A). The Directions & Assistance Committee is responsible for assisting attendees and exhibitors with information and directions around the show grounds. They also are responsible for the care of lost children, operating the lost and found room, and distribution of the Show’s Visitors Guide and RodeoHouston day sheets. In 2014 I added a second committee to my repertoire, the Equipment Acquisition Committee(EAC). Members of this committee are responsible for securing much of the equipment needed for the successful operation of the livestock show and rodeo, World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, and Downtown Rodeo Parade. I’m part of the admin team that checks equipment in and out to whatever committee needs it for the show. In 2015, I decided that EAC was a better fit for me, so I dropped D&A. On top of that, I’ve been a Rodeo Wrangler as well. It’s not an official committee, but many volunteers who do this are on Grand Entry Committee. We help the folks that own horses that are ridden in Grand Entry every night. We get them ready to go and take them into and out of the stadium each night.

Houston radio personality The Fabulous Jennifer Tyler representing the World Series Champion Houston Astros

12. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT HOUSTON: The people! A very diverse mixture, but one that comes together in times of crisis or for a great cause. They never cease to amaze me.

13. WHAT IS SOMETHING REALLY NEAT, FUN, OF QUIRKY ABOUT YOU THAT NO ONE WOULD EVER KNOW WITHOUT YOU TELLING THEM: Not sure if it’s neat, fun or quirky, but some people may be surprised to know that I was diagnosed with Major Depression in the late 90’s. In the last few years, it’s been anxiety as well. Not always easy to deal with, but it is manageable. I want people to know that. You just have to keep trying. I do have bad days. But they aren’t as frequent as they used to be. I’m not broken. I’m just different. I’ve developed some coping tools that help me. First, I have to remind myself that the situation is temporary and will pass soon. If anxiety hits while I’m at work I’ll walk around the station and work on controlling my breathing. Sometimes something as simple as playing a game on my phone is enough of a distraction. Sometimes, I just need quiet so I’ll meditate. Weirdly enough, singing along to loud heavy metal is very soothing for me.

14. IF YOU WERE TO GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT OR NEEDING THAT INSPIRATION TO KEEP GOING IN YOUR INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE: Don’t give up. Be willing to learn new things, keep an open mind and have a positive attitude.

15. WHAT IS YOUR WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA SO PEOPLE CAN FOLLOW YOU: Folks can listen to me live everyday from 10 am – 3 pm on The Eagle 106.0 & 107.5 or online on the website. People are welcome to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well. I look forward to connecting with everyone!

Tucked nicely into the office one random Thursday settled in for a writing/research day (read: not ready for face-to-face with humans) when a friend sends over an email. Highly aware of my almost absurd level of Bon Jovi love, she was taking the time to inform me about a meet & greet for Hampton Water Wine Co… that day! (Please refer back to the “not acceptable for public consumption” look mentioned earlier.) The meet & greet was with Hampton Water co-founders, Jesse Bongiovi and Ali Thomas which burst onto the market with their first offering, a roseﹶ. The connection between the wine and the rocker being Jon Bon Jovi created the award-winning rosé with his son, Jesse Bongiovi and acclaimed French winemaker, Gérard Bertrand. Needless to say, I had decided I was absolutely NOT going. There were story deadlines, design work that simply wouldn’t design itself and, I gently remind you, I was wearing a bathing suit cover-up and sporting zero makeup. Since learning this wine, I often wondered if it would even make it to the Houston market. Who knew how big the production of their first vintage would be? (Apparently it was 500,000 last year with a goal of one million this year.) I kept reopening the email and finally decided to call A’Bouzy where this little event was happening to gauge how busy they were expecting it to be (ugh, crowds, right?) Being constantly on the hunt for fun stories… off I went. In true rock star fashion I slid into the swanky, dressy-uppie River Oaks Champagne bar with my flip-flop wearing self and zero apologies. While taking in the surroundings I sat quietly outside studying my beautiful little glass of Hampton Water in all of its pink glory reading all of the background information prepping for my ambush interview.

Jesse and Ali showed up almost as casual as I was lending an instant feeling of comfort and compatibility with my good company. I mingle nearby eavesdropping on conversations ensuring I won’t ask the questions they’ve already answered 200 times when I’m greeted with a warm smile and a glass of their wine. Imagine two tall, healthy, handsome, former athletes wanting to serve a lovely glass of roseﹶ to you, I wasn’t upset for myself. My first question noted the music the venue’s music selection, saying Bon Jovi was on heavy rotation would be an understatement. Having an awareness that Jesse is working hard to build his own name, business and brand I asked how he felt about it, “I think it’s funny when venues play my dad’s music, but we don’t want this to be a “celebrity wine” though. It’s a high-quality product that happens to have ties to Jon Bon Jovi.”

Ali Thomas and Jesse Bongiovi Photo Credit: Hampton Water

Bongiovi and Thomas met in college at Notre Dame as roommates in the sports dorm. Jesse played football and Ali played hockey. After graduation they joined the work-a-day world before transitioning full time to Hampton Water, Bongiovi: “I was working at Slice, a pizza delivery startup in New York City doing sales while I was working on Hampton Water. I left Slice just before we officially launched Hampton Water.” Thomas’s answer was a bit more philosophical, “I started in finance right after college while we were still developing Hampton Water. I’d been active my whole life, always on the go and I’m a very social person, so I wasn’t a huge fan of the mundanity of waking up, going to work, sitting at my desk, going home, sleeping and doing it all over again the next day. So, I was extremely happy when I was able make Hampton Water my full-time job – this is the perfect role for me.”

Pizza delivery startup and finance actually aren’t that far from building a business requiring logistics, sales, distribution, etc. but I was still wondering the obvious question. How Hampton Water Wine even come to be? Most people don’t wake up one day thinking, “Hey! I’m starting a wine company today!” It’s no secret that JBJ (Jon Bon Jovi) is something of an oenophile so of course he would enjoy some juice with his family from time to time

One evening during the summer of 2016, Jesse, Ali and JBJ were sharing a few bottles around the back porch at their Hampton’s home when they began to toss around the idea of creating their own. JBJ offered Jesse one last glass of ‘Pink Juice’ before calling it a night to which Jesse responded, “No, Dad, you’re out in the Hamptons, you’re drinking Hampton Water.” Responding with laughter JBJ joked, “That’d be a great name on a bottle” And it was born. Ali and Jesse kept thinking about the idea so they rounded back up with JBJ who told them to create a business plan and present it to him. After two years of incredibly hard work Hampton Water hit the shelves in January 2018. Diving deeper into how they got their feet wet in such a challenging and product dense industry, Jesse shared, “In the very beginning we did a lot of networking – meeting and talking with different successful entrepreneurs, business owners, and people in the wine industry, etc. We worked hard to educate ourselves on how to start a successful business. We studied the wine industry, specifically rosé then put together a legitimate business plan.”

DISH’S personal bottle of Hampton Water heading off to a bar-b-que

The first thing you’ll notice about the bottle is… everything. The label, artwork, glass stopper and strawberry design on the punt. It’s quite glorious, sophisticated, detailed, and… well… professional, which, I won’t lie, came as a bit of a surprise because, come on, it’s a celebrity wine. However, taking into account how everything JBJ does is 1000%, top of the line, no playing around, why would the wine be any different? Yet somehow, it still seemed like a significant step away from pay what you can restaurants, an effort at professional football team ownership and music. He respected the world over for his marketing prowess. If you have ever watched this man for 5 minutes, you can’t help but become acutely aware of his ability to create and market a brand, find and size up the target market and make a direct hit. There is no flying off the cuff with this one.

The angels are in the details, “it really started with a great name and a great label and took off from there.’ Bongiovi said, ”essentially, we wanted to bottle up the Hamptons and how we feel when we’re out there – relaxed and just enjoying life with the people we love most – and share that with everyone who takes a sip Hampton Water.”

Creating the perfect flavor profile and acidity happens in layers. Curious to understand I asked more about their story and vision and why rosé? “We knew French rosés were always our favorite, but we did our due diligence and explored rosés from all over the world. The verdict? French rosés were still our favorite.” Bongiovi stated. Next was to find the perfect wine maker. There was an instant connection upon meeting French winemaker Gérard Bertrand who hosts an annual jazz festival in France. According to Bertrand, making great music and enjoying great wine accompany each other, they elevate the entire experience. “We were introduced to Gérard Bertrand and quickly bonded over our shared vision .” Bongiovi recalled.

They all worked together to create the fresh and light rosé “My
dad, my business partner, Ali Thomas, and I all made our own blends using the
different grape varietals. It was like a science project, we were using beakers
and glass droppers. We tasted all of the blends, and my dad’s ended up winning.
From there, we refined the blend further to create Hampton Water, which is made
of the perfect blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes grown in
the French Mediterranean. Then it is aged for 30-45 days and after that 20% of
the wine is aged in French oak for 20-30 days.” This painstaking
process earned them the honor of being the top ranked rosé in Wine Spectator’s
Top 100 Wines of 2018.

Wrapping up the unexpected afternoon another unexpected thing happened, Master Sommelier Guy Stout strolled into their tasting in Houston. After enjoying a glass he remarked how much he enjoyed their creation. Sharing this tidbit with Bongiovi he responded with kind humility, “We’re thrilled Master Sommelier Guy Stout is a fan of Hampton Water. It’s a huge compliment when a Master Sommelier is a fan!”

Good Monday to you, DISHIES!! This week’s # MondayMotivation Inspiration is very special to the DISH Family, Ms. Stephanie Bennett with Believe in Dog Training. We met out of absolute desperation. Let me take you back, there is a very special rescue in the DISH Dog Pack called Kaisur, Friedrich Kaisur Freese von Schweinhund to be exact. He was an owner turnover to CAP. The lady in the household wouldn’t stand for Kaisur, then named KING, to be beaten by the “gentleman” of the household anymore. That’s how the canine love of my life ended up for adoption. It was Christmas time and I was window shopping around Highland Village when I saw him. The most beautiful animal I’ve ever seen! Unable to resist a Dachshund I popped in for a cuddle and a ear scratch then went on about my shopping. I kept thinking about him so I rounded back to see him again and caught him growling at an older lady who was trying to pet him! (bad dog!) I corrected him immediately and he obeyed! He instantly stopped growling at her and started wagging his tail at me so happy I was back. The sweet lady working the adoption mentioned quietly to me that he had shown aggression to everyone since I left and they were not a no kill shelter so DISH got a puppy for Christmas!

There is a bond between all pups and owners but there is something very special with my and The Kais. Almost like we have been each other’s soulmates for multiple lifetimes. He is my most loyal baby, so deeply attached there aren’t words to describe it. He is hilarious, athletic,engaging, brilliant, protective, loving, strong, my little inspiration, the happiest part of my day and have I mentioned protective? He came with a built in “Mommy Protector” mode from being forced to protect his original owner from being regularly beaten by her male partner. His protective mode was amazing when walking but caused severe problems when having friends over or having dog sitters. Needless to say, I am deeply grateful to the few who tried to watch him and ended up with stitches. I knew why he was so protective, he wasn’t being a bad dog he was doing what he was programmed to do. But it needed to stop! I couldn’t even leave town because a sitter was out of the question. Having friends over wasn’t an option either. I was staring down the barrel of either a lawsuit or being forced to put him down. He could NOT bite one more person!! He is such a very good good boy he just had severe PTSD.

A dear friend, Dow Hickam, owner of Top Drawer Lingerie, who Kaisur bit at least once (so deeply sorry again, Dow!) thought he might have the solution and introduced me to Stephanie Bennett right after she moved back to Houston and was just starting her new business. As always, I spent at least a half hour warning her before she came over about his behavior but she was not worried. But I still was because everyone he bit swore they were dog people and said there was nothing to worry about! Well, Stephanie did the impossible! Within the first 3 minutes she had Kaisur eating out of her hand, following her around the room (a miracle since he would NEVER leave my side) and within 10 minutes taught him to “SIT”! WHAT!?!?! Who was this wonder woman and could she really make my dog NICE? The answer was a resounding YES! She trained me how to train and handle him, which as it turns out is the key to training a pup. This week DISH joyfully and proudly introduces you to the lady who fixed the unfixable within 3 training sessions thus giving me a wonderful 16+ years with my canine soulmate – STEPHANIE BENNETT!!

2. DISH ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS: I have been training dogs (and their people) for almost 15 years. I began my dog training career in Los Angeles and relocated to Houston in 2008. Houston has been kind to me as an entrepreneur and I have successfully built three dog training businesses since I arrived. My latest and greatest, Believe in DOG Training, is a Canine Training and Enrichment Center and officially opened in the Heights in 2018. My current favorite gig is training TV Tex, who is the KPRC Channel 2 rescue dog. I began training him as a puppy and now do monthly training segments on Channel 2’s afternoon show, Houston Life.

3. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR INDUSTRY: After spending many years as a teacher and actress in Los Angeles, I went through some pretty heavy life changes that caused me to really consider what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I basically just woke up one day and decided I wanted to do something completely different. I chose to combine my experience with teaching and entertaining people with my passion for dogs. Within a year, I had graduated from a school for dog trainers, found a mentor to apprentice with, and gotten my first job as a dog trainer.

4. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CREATE YOUR OWN: I knew I had something special and unique to offer. I wanted to create a place where training and nurturing the dog/human relationship, was the top priority.

5. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Construction! Ugh, definitely the hardest and most frustrating part of the process. Learning to delegate and let go of control as the business grows. There comes a point where you can’t do everything. Nor should you!

Believe in Dog Training

6. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR: I work with a lot of rescue dogs that lived on the mean streets and suffered horrible and traumatic experiences. Helping extremely fearful and/ or reactive dogs to be able to live in peace and harmony within the world and with their new people is the best feeling I know.

7. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF OVER THIS JOURNEY: I have more stamina than I thought, I’m a control freak, and even if my worst fears come true, I will still be okay.

8. HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO GIVE UP: Of course! There are so many ups and downs to running a business and it is definitely NOT for the faint of heart!

9. WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO POWER THROUGH: Knowing that I can make a difference in the world, one dog at a time, always gets me out of bed.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WHAT YOU DO: Teaching people how to effectively communicate and train their dogs through patience, mutual respect, and kindness.

11. HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME: What free time? Haha! My boyfriend and I love to travel and of course, hanging out with my own dogs is the best!

12. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT HOUSTON: I love the diversity of the people, the food, and culture.

13. WHAT IS SOMETHING REALLY NEAT, FUN, OF QUIRKY ABOUT YOU THAT NO ONE WOULD EVER KNOW WITHOUT YOU TELLING THEM: Before I was a dog trainer, I co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in a movie that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

14. IF YOU WERE TO GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT OR NEEDING THAT INSPIRATION TO KEEP GOING IN YOUR INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE: Remember that no matter what, ultimately, it’s all about helping the dogs. The dogs can’t help themselves and need you. Learn to meditate!

Believe in Dog Training

15. WHAT IS YOUR WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA SO PEOPLE CAN FOLLOW YOU: All of the good information is on my website Believe in Dog Training. There are also some really great tips on my Facebook page and the cutest photos of your day will always be on my Intagram so come visit regularly and often!

#MotivationMonday Inspiration shines the #DISH spotlight on Houstonians who inspire, motivate, strengthen and who make us want to try harder. This week we meet Robert Boudwin. He has been a dear DISH friend for over a decade. We met through a mutual friend randomly one evening well before the knowledge of his talents came into play. Getting to know him on a personal level, discovering his intelligence, passions, talents and massive sense of humor then discovering he was CLUTCH the Houston Rocket’s Mascot, then discovering he CREATED Clutch and and and… This gentleman works so incredibly hard from before the sun comes up to well after it goes down. He serves as the Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing & Event Presentation for University of Houston, runs his own creative agency, inspired children at schools as Newton the Dragon, AND is full-time parent to two sets of natural twins. TWINS!!! Oh, and he runs marathons.. in his mascot outfits. DISH ran the Houston marathon with him a few years ago and he really did run the entire thing in the Clutch costume plus he finished before the rest of us. He wears all of these hats with a smile on his face and a hug for everyone. He is constantly encouraging others and helping them find their successes as well. We joyfully and proudly introduce you to… ROBERT BOUDWIN.

2) DISH ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS: I started in my industry in August 1991 as my high school then college mascot. I started my own business in August 2016. Although I’ve only owned my own for 3 years I’ve spent a lifetime creating my brand. Some of my most notable clients are University of Houston, NCAA, Harris County Houston Sports Authority, Sam Houston Race Park, HoustonOnTheCheap.com, Professional Sports Partners, Yellow Cab, local elementary schools and multiple different universities nationally just to name a few.

3) HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR INDUSTRY: I was the mascot for my high school & college. Entertaining came naturally. Combining sports and entertainment was my niche that developed into a lifelong passion that has now expanded to education as well. After honing my craft at my college mascot I went on to create the Original Houston Rockets Mascot CLUTCH the Bear and acted as the sole performer from creation until 2016.

Boudwin as Houston Rocket’s Mascot Clutch the Bear

Boudwin Serving the KO to Clutch

4) WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CREATE YOUR OWN: A desire to entertain and inspire and deliver value to clients directly as to make a BIG impact for them and their company’s future and to their personal future as well. There is more to life than work but you have to work hard so you can have a personal life that is rewarding.

5) WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Feast or Famine – Things are unpredictably cyclical, meaning at times the workload can be overwhelming. Finding that work/life balance as a single father of two sets of twins is challenging to begin with but those times when there is not enough work readily available and I am spending more time than I care to looking for new clients, there is a stress component added in that makes being a peaceful, fun parent a little more challenging. But it can be done. You have to learn to put down the upset while picking up the babies.

6) WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Making People Laugh & Inspiring them to not self-impose limitations on themselves, their lives and their careers as well as getting people to take smart risks that makes others pay attention.

Newton the Dragon “Edutaining” local students

7) WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF OVER THIS JOURNEY: I’m an EXTREME extrovert and need to count and value my strengths and not focus so much on my weaknesses.

8) HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO GIVE UP: Of course. Anyone who says they haven’t is lying.

9) WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO POWER THROUGH: An internal sense of GRIT, pride & and good old fashion stubbornness as well as most importantly MY KIDS!

10) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WHAT YOU DO: Creating something new and seeing it from ideation/conception to completion/execution usually “edutaining” people in some way meaning to both entertain and inspire them.

11) HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME: Playing with my kids, watching movies, reading, running and hanging out with a small circle of best friends who I have cultivated tight relationships with…some for over 30 years.

12) WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT HOUSTON: The Diversity in EVERY sense.

13) WHAT IS SOMETHING REALLY NEAT, FUN, OF QUIRKY ABOUT YOU THAT NO ONE WOULD EVER KNOW WITHOUT YOU TELLING THEM: I have 114 tattoos, but you can only see two of them on my calves when I am wearing shorts and a T-Shirt and I HAVE 2 SETS OF TWINS because God cursed me…I mean BLESSED ME!:)

Newton the Dragon

14) IF YOU WERE TO GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT OR NEEDING THAT INSPIRATION TO KEEP GOING IN YOUR INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE: Don’t listen to others especially those above you tell you what the limits are to how far you can go.

I’d also like to let DISH readers know any school principals or administrators who book Newton The Dragon for the 2019/20 school year between now and the end of August will receive a 15% discount! Let me come inspire and help educate your students! DISH loves a DISHcount!

This week DISH is adding a postscript to the standard 15 questions because Robert is highly involved in something near and dear to the DISH heart and that’s organ donation. Please check that little box on your Driver’s License to become an organ donor. It is such a simple, quick and easy thing to do and it will LITERALLY save lives. In his words Robert explains why this is so important: “I encourage everyone to say YES to organ donation! It is something we can ALL register for and something we can all possibly benefit from one day. My Dad is now going on 8 years post double lung transplant and gets to enjoy his family including 2 sets of twin grandchildren because of it. It is why I have run the Houston 1/2 Marathon 3 times in full costume as Clutch bringing awareness to the cause, personally raising over $100K for the cause. It’s also why I serve on The Life Gift Board since 2013. I have spoken 100’s of times on the subject. PLEASE DON’T TAKE YOUR ORGANS TO HEAVEN. HEAVEN KNOWS WE NEED THEM HERE!

]]>IMG_1807dishhoustonMr. Magoo’s Party Animal “Champions” Show Out for CAPshttps://dish-houston.com/2019/06/26/mr-magoos-party-animal-champions-show-out-for-caps/
https://dish-houston.com/2019/06/26/mr-magoos-party-animal-champions-show-out-for-caps/#respondWed, 26 Jun 2019 21:03:27 +0000http://dishhouston.wordpress.com/2019/06/26/mr-magoos-party-animal-champions-show-out-for-caps/Event Chairs Shelby Kibodeaux and Bruce Padilla with Citizen’s for Animal Protection’s Exec Director Sandi Mercado and one of the evening’s honorees Sonia Soto and her rescue pup Jesse

Bunnies were hopping about

Over 200 animal lovers, some with their animals, dressed as their favorite champion which translated mostly to sports legends for Mr Magoo’s “We are the Champions” benefiting Citizens for Animal Protection at the Bayou City Event Center. There were Astros, Rockets, some Texans (someone missed the Champion note), Cowboys, Dymanos, , Yankees, Stone Cold Steve Austin and even some bunnies (someone has to champion Easter!)

Event Chairs Shelby Kibodeaux and Bruce Padilla

Event chairs Bruce Padilla & Shelby Kibodeaux put together an entertaining, inclusive evening that resulted in raising $100,000! A great amount for any event but practically unheard of for a summertime happening. Cheers to those amazing gentlemen for the hard work and dedication to animals!Bringing together CW’s morning show host Sharron Melton to emcee the high energy evening, Michelle Mantor, Publisher of Houston PetTalk Magazine as Honorary Chair helped solidify the success of the evening. However it’s the honorees of the evening that brought the serious love!! Big Fix Houston and one of Houston’s most loving and active animal advocates Sonia Soto.

DISH and Sherman the Dragon Mascot

Cocktail hour gave guests time to peruse the silent auction, shop a few vendors and take pictures with Sherman the Iguana, CAPs resident mascot for almost 20 years, it was time for introductions and the live auction led by Sharron Melton before dinner. A very smart move that should be adopted by other fundraising galas going forward, just a kind suggestion.

One of the main highlights of the live auction was a sunset cruise on Galveston bay aboard Mayoral Candidate Bill King’s yacht. It was a slow go at first until King took the mike and offered to fix any THREE pothole of choice to the lucky winner. The plot twist put the gas into the bidding to which King then offered to sell the offer TWICE bringing a great amount of financial support, $12,000, for the animals and a great burst of joy and laughter to the party goers. Houstonians are pretty easy going and simple, yachting is fun but fix my freaking streets, AM I RIGHT!?

Event Emcee Morning Show Host at CW 39 Sharron Melton

After a very fun and unpretentious tailgating inspired dinner of chicken and waffles featuring the most amazing buffalo sauce (that DISH is still waiting for the name of, BRUCE, we are looking at you!!), BBQ sliders, mac and cheese and fried okra. It was the funnel cake ‘fries’ and fried Oreos for dessert bringing out the kid in every human there.

Beth Wolff and her canine companion Dandy

Fresh off a sugar high revelers who brought their animals had the option to participate in a fashion show! Many champions worked that runway with their canine plus ones but the highlight was Celebrity Pet of the Year honorees, Dandy, with owner Beth Wolff, and Beauregard with owner Edna Meyer-Nelson.Canine lovers on hand: Angelica Chapman with pups Stormi and Thunder, Dr. Roland Maldonado, Catarina Gonzales with Loki pup, Buzz Lady Roseann Rogers, Oscar Anchia and Samantha Gonzalez, Dr. Angela Strum with Partner Arthur Severin, Miya Shay, Jeff and Kim Anderson-Rose, Cheryl Byington, Laurette Veres and Tom Flynn, Jeff Goldberg and Kristin Massey.

The Celebrity Pet of the Year Honorees and their humans will be in attendance at the annual CAP Gala “A Royal Affair” at the Royal Sonesta hotel on November 16, 2019.

DISH’s #MondayMotivation Inspiration this week is a dear friend, doggy daddy, rose gardener, City of Houston Webmaster AND Candidate for Houston City Council District C. Bob Nowak is one of the most easy going people you will come across. He has a smile for everyone he meets and if you really listen to everything he says, you will discover DISH’s favorite part about him… his super dry and wicked sense of humor! DISHIES, we proudly introduce you to, Bob Nowak!

1) NAME AND COMPANY NAME: Bob Nowak, Bob Nowak for City Council District C

2) DISH ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS: I am running for the open seat in City Council District C, which includes most of the western half of the Inner Loop, plus Garden Oaks and Oak Forest and Meyerland. The election is November 5 this year. Very honored that Alan Helfman, President of the Helfman Motors, is my Campaign Treasurer.

3) HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR INDUSTRY: I was hired by Mayor Lanier’s Co-Chief of Staff on June 14, 1994. He was also Director of the Department of Public Works and Engineering (PWE). I wrote speeches and acted as a Communications Liaison in the pre-Internet and pre-311 days. I taught myself .html using a WordPerfect 7 textbook, in 1997, and PWE was the first City Department to administer its own web content. Then I started as City Webmaster in late October 1998, after the City’s first Webmaster moved on to the private sector.

4) WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CREATE YOUR OWN: I am a 25-year City employee, always working with and among the highest levels of City government and their staffs. I’ve created and maintained the websites of four mayors and all their Divisions, two Controllers, and 62 Council Members. I have served the people who serve the people, and now I want to move from behind the scenes to the front and serve my fellow residents of District C.

5) WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR: Block-walking in the Houston weather is occasionally a challenge, but it’s the most effective method of campaigning. As of June 1, 2019 I have visited 1,500 homes, walked more than 90 miles, and taken more than 200,000 steps. I have even been on the losing end of a Pit Bull bite while campaigning. As the dog’s owners were treating my puncture wounds, across the street at their grandparents’ house, all I wanted to talked about was my run for City Council. I comforted them by telling them I would visit the medical clinic the following morning as I had to be bandaged up and in a tuxedo within two hours for an gala that evening. They could not have been more kind and I think I got some votes out of it!

6) WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR: The support of friends, the front porch conversations with residents, plus the four votes of the Pit Bull owners and the grandparents… And the dog’s owners putting a Bob Nowak for City Council sign in their yard!

7) WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF OVER THIS JOURNEY: If you wake up happy and go to sleep happy, everything in between usually works out.

8) HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO GIVE UP: Yes. Though I know if seventy percent of the people vote for someone else, I make the runoff. And what do you call a baseball player who fails seventy percent of the time? A Hall of Famer.

9) WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO POWER THROUGH: Knowing there is a definite destination, a definite yes or no, in this journey, it’s election day, plus the date of the runoff in December.

10) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WHAT YOU DO: I was recently invited to meet with some residents who opposed something I publicly supported. We exchanged emails and scheduled a meeting within 24 hours of first contact. Great responsiveness. We had a roomful of respect and listened to and offered different ideas and opinions. We also concluded our meeting with a roomful of respect. Know to respect other opinions, and also know to respect the process.

11) HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME: Tending to my rose garden and playing with my dog, a ten year old rescue Sheltie named Polo.

12) WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT HOUSTON: The rich history of blues and zydeco music in Houston. And those frequent “winter” days when we can wear shorts.

13) WHAT IS SOMETHING REALLY NEAT, FUN, OF QUIRKY ABOUT YOU THAT NO ONE WOULD EVER KNOW WITHOUT YOU TELLING THEM: I’ve done amateur stand-up comedy (NSFW!!)

14) IF YOU WERE TO GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT OR NEEDING THAT INSPIRATION TO KEEP GOING IN YOUR INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE: Remember that every yellow light you’ve run, or every yellow light at which you’ve stopped, has changed the rest of your life forever.

15) WHAT IS YOUR WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA SO PEOPLE CAN FOLLOW YOU: Everyone is welcome to visit my website to read all about the latest and greatest with my campaign. I also invite everyone to connect with me on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

DISH’S #MondayMotivation Inspiration Series kicks off with this amazing lady! She’s a puppy mom, a runner (the simple term “runner” doesn’t really describe her passion for the sport, and a health and wellness guru among other things. She LOVES her community and DISH loves her! Meet Sheri Davidson! Happy Monday, DISHIES!

NAME AND COMPANY NAME. My name is Sheri Davidson. My company is Element 5 OM, Acupuncture and Wellness Clinic

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. I technically started in 2006 in Austin, TX but I like to say it all started when I moved back here in 2008. I currently have a boutique-style clinic located in Rice Village. I provide patient-centered care in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and health coaching. My most notable clients are the ones that have made Element 5 OM part of their healthcare system. I have been seeing many of my clients for years. I enjoy getting to know people and their history. Not only does this allow for more effective healthcare but it builds community. There is health in community.

Sherri Davidson with her latest accomplishment, A degree is Nutritional Studies

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR INDUSTRY? I received my undergrad in Interior design and architecture from the University of Houston. After graduating, I spent a couple years in Corporate design at PDR downtown. While in college, I became very interested in Japanese wooden houses. I loved the simplistic architecture, natural and uncluttered spaces and their connection to the outdoors. I appreciated the thoughtfulness that went into designing these houses. The art work would even change to represent the season. This introduced me to Eastern philosophy which lead me to martial arts. My martial arts instructor thought I would be good at Traditional Chinese Medicine. He brought me the information on the school in Houston. I registered and was on my way to getting a Masters of Oriental Medicine. That’s how I got started in the industry.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CREATE YOUR OWN? After graduating, I didn’t feel like I had a choice after but to start my own business. There were not many employers of Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Whether I started my own clinic or rented a room from someone, I was in business for myself. Even though my initial intent was not to be a business owner, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has given back to me in so many ways. Personally and professionally.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART? The most challenging part has been staying inspired when I’m not where I would like to be financially. Service industry can be tough and unpredictable . There have been many times I thought about getting another job to help support my passion. Especially starting out.

Mr. Finn is the best assistant and running buddy around

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR? Personal and professional growth. You really have to have the courage and honesty to look at yourself to see your strengthens and weaknesses. Then take action on making the changes necessary to move forward successfully. Also, working with my amazing clients is incredibly rewarding.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF OVER THIS JOURNEY? I have learned to trust myself, put myself out there and to ask for help when needed. I can’t do it alone.

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO GIVE UP? Yep! Countless times. Especially, the first few years.

WHAT HAS MOTIVATED YOU TO GET THROUGH? Freedom and creativity. It’s my why. I have the freedom to create what is needed and the life I want. There can be a lot of pressure but it’s equally rewarding.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I get to nurture my passion for health, connect and give back and to the community. I love health, connection and community.

Sherri Davidson and Finn finishing another race

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME? Running and traveling. Houston has a great running community. It’s been a great way to be social and accountable my training. Some people go out for a drink. We meet for a run. I also enjoy traveling. If I can run and travel, it’s the best. This October I am going on a 5 day running adventure in the Faroe Island. It’s eighteen volcanic island in between Iceland and Norway. Super excited!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT HOUSTON? I love the people and diversity but most of all it’s my home. Born and raised. There is no place like home.

WHAT IS SOMETHING REALLY NEAT, FUN, OR QUIRKY ABOUT YOU THAT NO ONE WOULD EVER KNOW WITHOUT YOU TELLING THEM? I like to think I have superpowers. When I was in elementary, I would stare at the clock on the wall to make it fall. Have you ever seen The Men Who Stared at Goats? That’s me except I don’t stare at goats and I have not tried to run through walls.

IF YOU WERE TO GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT OR NEEDING THAT INSPIRATION TO KEEP GOING IN YOUR INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Know your why. It will give you inspiration and keep you going when the going gets tough.

The 19th annual Golf Classic went down in the history books raising a well over the projected fundraising goal for Children at Risk. Hosted by Fox 26’s Melissa Wilson at The Woodland’s Country Club the popular event raised almost $100,000 for the children.

KRIV’s Morning Show Host Melissa Wilson with some of Houston’s finest. Police officers from the human trafficking unit.

Attracting the likes of Country Singer Chris Cagle, Kylee, famous Houston influencer (@whinetowine on insta) and her hubby from Houston Raceway, Mark Troth, Caroline Kenny, David Cook, and some of the amazing, dedicated officers from Houston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Division, just to name a few.

Caroline Kenney Bobbing for Candy on the 8th Hole

To say that a good time was had by all might be an understatement. Each hole offered something fun for the players from Killen’s Steakhouse and St. Arnold beer to kangaroo jerky, massages and yes, even bobbing for candy Caddyshack style!

Next year is the big 20th anniversary of the event so make sure you sign up as quickly as possible because it’s bound to be a doozie!

Hosting the tournament for 19 years, Melissa Wilson and her husband David

It was a beautiful day for golf and friends

Children at Risk was founded in 1989 with the goal of improving the quality of life for children through strategic research, public policy analysis, education, collaboration and advocacy.